Pilea peperomioides, known widely as the Chinese Money Plant or pancake plant, is one of the most recognisable and easy-going houseplants available. Its perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves are held on long, upright petioles that radiate outward from a central stem, giving the plant a clean, architectural quality that suits almost any interior. It is fast-growing in good conditions, produces regular offsets that can be potted on and passed on, and tolerates a range of indoor conditions with minimal fuss. Cheerful in appearance, generous in growth, and straightforward to care for and known as lucky in many cultures.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Chinese Money Plant
Give me bright light out of the midday sun and water me when the top of my soil feels dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides is an easy-care houseplant. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, average household humidity and a minimum temperature of 10°C. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Happy at normal household humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
Keep above 10°C · Happy at normal room temperature
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Soil & Substrate
Pilea peperomioides prefers a well-draining substrate that holds some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Its roots are relatively fine and dislike sitting in wet soil for extended periods. Our Simply Houseplant Tropical Potting Mix is well-suited to it.
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Plants still are not food, so a determined chewer may get an upset stomach.
Origins
Pilea peperomioides is native to the rocky, forested slopes of Yunnan province in south-western China, where it grows in sheltered understorey conditions with good light and well-drained, humus-rich soils.
Yes. This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, plants aren't food, so a keen chewer could still get an upset stomach. If you're worried, speak to your vet.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
The Pilea genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world—Asia, Central and South America, Africa. These plants range from tiny creeping ground covers to larger, upright varieties. Their natural habitats vary from misty forest floors to...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers praised this Chinese money plant for arriving in "beautiful condition" with healthy leaves and excellent packaging. Most reported quick delivery and eco-friendly materials. However, some noted issues with leaf loss during shipping and smaller-than-expected size. A few customers mentioned slight mechanical damage or burns on leaves upon arrival.
Beautiful plants in beautiful condition!
Very healthy with no breaks or damage, surprisingly bushy for a little plant
Plants even imperfect are still great condition and very healthy
5 stars: 38 (88%)
4 stars: 3 (7%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 1 (2%)
1 star: 1 (2%)
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
12cm
Beautiful plants in beautiful condition!
E
Emma (United Kingdom)
12cm
First order with Grow Tropicals and was impressed with the packaging. Box arrived a day early and everything was so well wrapped I have no concerns for plant damage in future orders
K
Karen H.
Beautiful plants
My first order arrived, all the plants were perfect, the packaging was excellent. I immediately placed 2 more orders excited for them to arrive. Now I wouldn’t buy anywhere else.
J
Jessica L.
Healthy plant , lots of
Healthy plant , lots of leaves for a 6cm pot . Some had evidence of slight mechanical damage / burns . Otherwise it is growing well
J
Judith L.
Money plants.
Such lovely healthy plants . Recommend.
S
Stephen
Happy
Was a little smaller than I was expecting but it's really nice was feliverd fast with great soil
R
Rasa Rasa (United Kingdom)
6cm
Super
A
Anonymous (United Kingdom)
Plant arrived with about a quarter of leaves lost through packing and delivery. Received partial refund but continued to lose leaves. I hope it recovers
P
Pedro
Great packaging, great healthy plants
G
Gavin J.
Chinese money plant
Arrived fast and very well packaged. Great item, great price… love the ‘how to look after your plant’ email. Thank you :relaxed:️
D
David B.
Again , can't fault the
Again , can't fault the [packaging and this is one lovely plant , slightly bigger than expected and looking lovely right now :)
K
Kerry E.
Cute healthy little plant
Packaged extremely well the heat pack was still warm , it's a very cute, very healthy little plant.
K
Kelly S.
Arrived in great condition. Cute
Arrived in great condition. Cute lil plant, looking forward to seeing it blossom into a mature plant
J
Julie H.
Lovely plant, great condition and
Lovely plant, great condition and well packaged
l
lisa f.
in great condition very healthy
in great condition very healthy with no breaks or damage as as always it was packaged very well. It had lots of healthy leaves and was surprisingly bushy for a little plant . I would definitely recommend
J
Julie H.
Eppic
My plants came wrapped up well,I repotted them and placed them on window ledge over the radiators and they’re doing ratherwell. Really healthy plants .
D
Dawn M.
Very small plant but leaves
Very small plant but leaves were in good condition. Nice selection.
J
Jonathan W.
Love it!
I've always wanted one of these and the plant I received did not disappoint. Came well packaged and is already settling well into its new home!
T
T.E.
Another fantastically happy healthy plant! Excellent condition and secured and protected well for delivery
T
Toni
Another fantastically happy healthy plant! Excellent condition and secured and protected well for delivery
E
Elise G.
Healthy lush plants. am delighted once
Healthy lush plants. am delighted once again. will definitely be buying again :blush:
N
Nicola
Healthy plants
Brilliant company! Plants even imperfect are still great condition and very healthy. Very happy with all of my purchases. Substrates are great and I've never had no problems with pests hiding in the substrates. Well packaged. Speedy delivery which I like. Plenty of payment options.
K
Kirsten H.
Second order
I’m yet again very happy with my order. The order arrived very quickly once dispatched. It was very safely packaged. All of which can be recycled. And the plant is beautiful. It is much larger than I expected and is exactly what I wanted. I will be back.
P
Peter R.
First time purchaser
All of the plants were in first class condition and extremely well packaged. Order arrived the following day. Very impressed.
S
Sue P.
Very nice plant
A good sized plant with great leaf growth and good root system, came very well packaged and arrived safely. Excellent service as usual from GT.
M
Mary Y.
Poor Chinese money plant
I have already e mailed about the condition of this plant on arrival and sent a photograph. Many of the leaves had fallen off. I was so disappointed as I was so looking forward to receiving this plant. Despite 2 previous e mails I have still not received a response.
